The Importance of Self-Awareness

"If your emotional abilities aren't in hand, if you don't have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far."

Daniel Goleman

In the study of the works of ancient philosophers,Socrates and Plato, one finds the theme, "Know Thyself."  As one turns their study to contemporary scholars, the same premise is underscored. Self-awareness is a foundational concept whether in the sacred or secular worlds. We live in a relational world where we interact with many over the course of our lives. If we don't know ourselves, we are limited in our ability to truly know others. Our lack of self-awareness limits the ability to reach our potential. Our lack of self-awareness negatively impacts our ability to manage our feelings and emotions. Our lack of self-awareness leads to misunderstandings in relationships.  In essence our lack of self-awareness is a detriment to us our lives and those we care about.

To "Know Thyself," is the logical point of beginning. As human beings, there are a multitude of complex components to each of us that we simply do not understand. As we mature, we gain a superficial and sometimes faulty understanding of who we are, what were are about, what our purpose is, but often lack a full and true understanding. Our parents, academia, faith-based communities, government and private-industry and even peers help us to some degree answer these age-old questions, but there is a problem; each of the various stakeholder groups have not been as effective as needed in helping individuals know themselves.

I referenced above a multitude of complex components; what are some of these components? These factors include, but are not limited to: personality elements, learning styles, attitudes, mental states, likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, level of self-esteems, level of self-acceptance, self-confidence, self-perception, character, levels of stress, levels of tension, conscience, emotional well-being, level of empathy, assertiveness, mindfulness and many more. Each of these components has within them levels of complexity that require intensive and skillful probing and unpacking. Yet, most of us lack such skills. Why? The problem is most of us have had little to no training in how to understand these components. We have had little to no training into understanding how these components play into our lives, relationships, the decisions we make each day and our interactions with others..

Self-awareness is not something that should be glossed over or merely mentioned; it is an area of study worthy of deep instruction and introspection. Think for a moment of the factors mentioned above. If you were to take a deep dive and gain greater understanding of any five of them that you deem important and gain the ability to be able to identify them, clearly articulate them to others, understand each component's application in your life, your relationships and the decisions you make. I ask, would there be improvements in your life?

When we don't understand ourselves, we lack the ability to manage ourselves. As we know, humans naturally seek to gain pleasure and avoid pain. Often, these pursuits lead to choices or paths, which result in many self-medicating or becomimg vulnerable to unhealthy behaviors. These choices or paths greatly distort the picture and make realistic self-awareness almost impossible.

Fortunately, today there is knowledge and tools that can help individuals gain levels of self-awareness greater than at any time in the history of man. The problem is the knowledge and tools are not in the hands of those who need them. Emotional Intelligence and DISC training is available and can provide individuals with levels of self-awareness that will improve the quality of their lives, relationships and results.

"Know thyself." No matter where you are or how old you are, you can become more self-aware, but it will require intentional effort. Know that self-awareness is important!